Best CAM software

[thinker&planner]

I've been using Fusion 360 to generate gcode for our Shapeoko. I like it, but I also haven't used anything else.

I'm not sure if this is unique or not, but it also has a wonderful simulation for the toolpaths that includes showing you exactly what material is being removed (it starts with a solid block).

It also has CAM for waterjet, plasma, and turning.
Of course, its free for education use.

[scott.smith]

We use HSMpro with inventor, and we could not be able to go without it. It is intuitive, but still has a lot of details, and is also very easy to master. Honestly just playing around with it for a day with a few tutorials can give you a good understanding of the software. At least that was my experience.